Startup Story
Victoria Orr is the founder and CEO of Amandla Ubuntu Limited, a South African/UK social enterprise that works with South African artists, crafters and female owned businesses to provide a platform to showcase their talents to the world. The enterprise ethically sources beautiful arts and crafts, providing sustainable incomes and sells online in the UK, with plans to move into Europe and USA.
As a certified social enterprise, Amandla Ubuntu Limited is committed to reinvesting and donating a minimum of 50% of the company profits. It partners with the Saartjie Baartman Centre in Cape Town, a vital organisation that provides support to survivors of gender-based violence and their children - and funds gender equality education. Prior to launching Amandla Ubuntu Limited, Victoria held global leadership positions at some of the world's biggest corporate organisations including Amazon and Marriott International and was Chief Customer Officer of an international education charity before leaving to set up her own social enterprise.
LoA spoke to Victoria about her inspiration, her entrepreneurial journey, and her aspirations for the future.
What inspired you to start your company?
As a proud feminist and a lifelong advocate of women’s rights, I spent years watching gender-based violence catapult to epidemic proportions in my native country, South Africa. Although incredibly proud of what I had achieved in my career, I became increasingly frustrated with the corporate world. While working on large-scale projects, I was often asked, ‘What keeps you awake at night?’. I realized that, despite facing pressures and deadlines in my job, the issues I was really worried about were bigger and much more serious than corporate targets. I thought of the millions of women around the world who can’t sleep. They can’t sleep because they’re terrified. They can’t sleep because their partners won’t let them. They can’t sleep for fear of their lives. So, I decided to use my skills and compassion to make a change - to support struggling communities, whilst tackling gender-based violence: an issue I have always held close to my heart. And so, Amandla Ubuntu was born - a social enterprise focusing on women empowering women.
“I decided to use my skills and compassion to make a change - to support struggling communities, whilst tackling gender-based violence: an issue I have always held close to my heart.”
Why should anyone use your service or product?
A number of companies sell African art and crafts online in the UK, however, very few have a social purpose. It's important to me that I truly partner with the women I work with. I'm not interested in claiming their work as my own, I want to be able to help get them exposure, which in turn helps them to generate more direct sales. In turn, I am delighted to operate as an international distributer - the more I sell, the more I can re-invest - and ultimately the more I can donate to support ending gender-based violence. As well as helping to support survivors, it's really important to me to be able to invest in education to break the cycle of abuse.
Tell us a little about your team
As a new start-up, Amandla Ubuntu is a one-woman team, but I have been lucky enough to partner with some really inspirational women - some of whom I have met through the Lionesses of Africa network - and others I have introduced!
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I matriculated from Benoni High School waaaaaay back in 1988 and as my parents weren't in a position to send me to University, I went straight to work for Southern Sun Hotels. I've always been a hard worker and always hungry to learn more. I've had some really interesting roles and have lived and worked across four continents. I have an altruistic nature and have always built kindness and compassion into the global programmes I have led. I've led many transformational journeys and have been very successful in the corporate world - always believing in purpose over profit. This is the first time I have owned my own company, but I am hopeful that the skills I have learned will help Amandla Ubuntu become successful.
“I would love to see Amandla Ubuntu really make a difference for women in South Africa. I'd love to see some of the crafters and artists I am working with become totally self-sufficient and perhaps even start their own businesses.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I would love to see Amandla Ubuntu really make a difference for women in South Africa. I'd love to see some of the crafters and artists I am working with become totally self-sufficient and perhaps even start their own businesses. I'd like to scale the business so that we offer business workshops, training and support to give them the skills to be successful - and financially independent. As well as running the product side of the business, I have also been busy lecturing MBA students and providing business advice to charities. I am planning to grow this side of the business to be able to provide business coaching and leadership skills to women.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
it sounds like a cliche, but being able to live my dream. Managing my own time, having the conversations I want to have, meeting wonderful, inspirational people along the way - and doing something that truly makes my heart sing.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
My biggest piece of advice is to have purpose. Many people have business ideas, but lack the passion and purpose to make them successful. Be ok with having bad days - starting your own business isn't always easy and sometimes things don't go your way. Don't be afraid to try - if you get something wrong, so what? But learn from it and move on. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and will give you honest advice and cups of tea and hugs when you need it!
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | EMAIL victoria@amandlaubuntu.com
Why LoA loves it….
At Lionesses of Africa, we love to see other social entrepreneurs making a real difference to the lives of others through the work they do, and in the case of Victoria Orr, she is making positive change happen. She is harnessing her experience, passion and commitment to tackle the growing issue of gender-based violence in South Africa, creating opportunities for women to achieve financial independence. Victoria is changing lives for the better and is a real inspiration to so many people who need lasting change to happen for women. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa